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Review
12.
Indian draught
animals power -
K. L. Phaniraja
and H. H. Panchasara
Veterinary
World 2(10):404-407
Abstract
With the modernization of agriculture, the use of mechanical
power in agriculture has increased but draught animal power
(DAP) continues to be used on Indian farms due to small holdings
and hill agriculture. More than 55% of the total cultivated area
is still being managed by using draught animals as against about
20% by tractors. India possessed the finest breeds of draught
animals. Bullocks, buffaloes and camels are the major draught
animals for field operations. Horses, mules, donkeys, yak and
mithun are the pack animals for transport. The quality of work
from the draught animals depends upon the power developed by
them. The design of traditional implements is based on long
experience and these have served the purpose of the farmers.
However there is plenty of scope to improve the design based on
animal-machine-environment interaction so as to have more output
and increased efficiency without jeopardizing animal health.
Keywords: Draught Animal, Agriculture, Breed,
Mechanization.
